New CAFS Issue Brief: “Are Fair Labor Labels Trustworthy? Unpacking the Truth Behind Ethical Claims"

Many consumers will pay top dollar for food products with eco-labels that claim “ethically sourced” or “sustainably grown.” These labels inform their purchasing decisions—ensuring that the food they eat matches their values. More and more, consumers have shown an interest in “fair labor” labels that either expressly or implicitly suggest fair treatment and working conditions for farm and food production workers. However, not all labeling and marketing claims can be substantiated. The U.S. government does not strictly regulate food labeling claims that concern working conditions. Meanwhile, independent third-party certifications have emerged to fill that regulatory gap. 

A new issue brief from CAFS’s Labels Unwrapped project sheds light on which certifications are credible and what standards they impose on producers. Co-authored by CAFS Food and Agriculture Clinic Director Emma Scott and clinic students Emily Starobin JD’25 and Laura Ataa Agyekumhene LLM’25, this resource analyzes a few prominent fair labor certification programs to help consumers understand the standards behind the label. View the Issue Brief on our website.